How to Improve Egg Quality

The quality of one’s eggs is a major determinant in female fertility. It can be affected by very many things from lifestyle choices, to mental health and genetic predisposition.Some of the biggest factors affecting egg quality include diet, exercise, age and medical history. 

In this article, we shall be discussing different strategies to help significantly enhance the quality of your eggs through nutrition and lifestyle adjustments. We shall also highlight vital health insights for superior fertility outcomes.

Age 

Before we can get into it, let us talk about age, one of the top concerns for many prospective mothers. Age does have a significant impact on both the quality and the quantity of eggs for women, particularly as they get older.

Although there is no agreed-upon fixed age by which the quality and quantity of eggs begin to decline, many clinicians agree that this generally begins sometime after the age of 35 for many women.

Interestingly, research on aging as it relates to eggs shows that the average age of women at childbirth is rising globally. This is primarily as a result of an increase in the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) with generally high rates of success.

Thankfully, due to advances in technology and increased understanding around the factors that play a role in egg health, it is more feasible now more than ever to conceive a child after the age of 35.

How to Improve Your Egg Quality

Now that we have addressed the age factor and know we cannot turn back the clock on aging, let us focus on the factors that contribute to the health of a prospective parent’s eggs. 

Healthy lifestyle choices and good nutritional choices can increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, whether through natural conception or one of the available ART treatments.

Stay Away from Cigarettes

It is no secret that cigarettes have a plethora of negative effects on a person’s health. This is particularly significant when it comes to prospective mothers who smoke when trying to become pregnant.

 A study on the effects of smoking on ovarian function and fertility found that women who smoked during an ART treatment cycle had a 50 percent lower success rate for the implantation of an embryo in their uterus. In women who had never smoked or had stopped smoking prior to the ART cycle, the implantation success rate increased by up to 50 percent.

Products such as cigars, vaping devices, and other nicotine-containing products had similar negative impacts on both ovarian reserve and quality, according to a 2023 study on the impact of different types of smoking products on oocyte quality. 

The study suggested that clinicians should encourage prospective mothers to stop using any substances related to the consumption of tobacco or nicotine prior to pregnancy in order to see the most favorable results.

Manage Stress

Reducing stress in day-to-day life can sometimes be challenging for anyone. Individuals or couples hoping to become pregnant will likely experience high-stress levels at various points as they try to navigate the financial and logistical challenges of bringing a new child into the world.

According to a 2022 study reviewing the literature on the effects of stress on the growth and development of follicles, psycho-emotional stress can negatively affect egg development and, in turn, the health of the embryos grown from those eggs. 

The study found that counseling and stress reduction techniques had a significant positive impact on pregnancy rates. It highlighted the importance of effective stress management for prospective mothers, given the high level of stress reported by women experiencing difficulties with fertility.

Eat Healthy

Diet plays a significant role, not just in the general health, but especially in the reproductive health of women. It is also one of the least invasive ways to improve egg health and overall fertility for those who are trying to become pregnant.

Studies have found positive correlations between polyunsaturated fats, fiber, folate, and starch in diets, and the success rates of pregnancy. 

Conversely, diets containing high levels of trans-saturated fats and highly processed foods have a potentially negative effect not only on pregnancy rates but ovarian health in general. 

Additionally, nutrition-related conditions like obesity can also interfere with the reproductive health of many women, underscoring the importance of a healthy diet and good nutrition on egg quality.

The Mediterranean diet is one type of diet that is recommended for those wishing to become pregnant and in particular, those undergoing ART treatment cycles.

Consider Taking Supplements

A healthy diet should provide all the nutrients needed for prospective mothers. However, at times it could be of value to increase vitamin intake and include supplements, to give the best chances of a successful pregnancy.

A 2023 study on the impact of nutritional supplements in IVF suggests that compounds like Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) might improve pregnancy rates for women who have not previously responded well to ovarian stimulation during IVF cycles.

Other compounds like Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids and myo-inositol were observed to a positive impact on the results of some women’s embryological development.

When you are pregnant or are in the process of trying to become pregnant, it is crucial to always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet and supplement routine.

Exercise

There is no shortage of evidence that consistent exercise helps with all manner of health concerns, including managing stress, mental health disorders, and obesity. When it comes to reproductive health, a consistent exercise practice can be of benefit for these reasons alone.

A 2023 review on the effects of physical activity on fertility found that overweight and obese women experience a significant increase in the likelihood of conception while undergoing a vigorous exercise routine. This was particularly of note for women who had polycystic ovary syndrome.

A vigorous exercise routine, however, is not recommended in all cases. In some instances, it could negatively impact fertility, due to a lack of ovulation associated with intense exercise. 

As with any major change in lifestyle or diet, exercise should be assessed with the help of a healthcare professional, who can provide the necessary context and expertise in choosing the appropriate course forward.

In Conclusion

There are many ways to improve the quality of eggs in your ovaries. Healthy eggs are more likely to be fertilized, leading to healthy pregnancies. 

Fertility is a very sensitive subject, and without the assistance of a healthcare professional, it can be difficult to tell when something is wrong. Everyone’s situation is different.

Some couples and individuals try to conceive for months without results.  Others have difficulties in conceiving for a long time, only to quickly become pregnant with a second child shortly after the first. 

Contact Us

If you are over the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for over a year or longer than 6 months. It may be time to consult with a healthcare professional to explore ways to assess and improve fertility and egg quality.

At Ivy Fertility, we offer a wide range of reproductive services available at locations across the country. We can assist you to determine which form of fertility treatment is appropriate for your particular circumstances.